KU School of Medicine-Wichita seeking Latinos for study

Researchers from KU School of Medicine-Wichita are looking for Spanish-speaking families to participate in a study to help teach parents and children ways of managing mood-disorder symptoms.

From staff reports

Researchers from KU School of Medicine-Wichita are looking for Spanish-speaking families to participate in a study to help teach parents and children ways of managing mood-disorder symptoms.To participate, families must have at least one child age 8 to 12 years old with a mood disorder.According to the National Alliance for Mental Illness, Latinos are identified as a high-risk group for depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Youth Risk Survey found a 10.7 percent attempted suicide rate among Latino youth, compared with a 7.3 percent rate among African American youth and a 6.3 percent rate for White, non- Latino youth.Tragically, due to lack of cultural knowledge, Latino youth with mental illness are generally misdiagnosed as having anger problems or just conduct disorders.Participants will receive two free assessments and 20 free therapy sessions. Children and their families may continue any other mental health services or medications during this study. A parent or guardian must participate with the child. Families will receive a $50 gift card after completing each assessment. Mood disorders include depression and bipolar disorder. These conditions occur in approximately 2 percent to 3 percent of children younger than 13 years old. Symptoms may include prolonged sadness, irritability, loss of interest in daily activities, changes in sleep or appetite, suicidal thoughts, elevated moods, and reckless behavior. Those interested in learning more or participating in the study should call (316) 293-2667. The therapy being adapted for this study is “Psychoeducational Psychotherapy.” Dr. Klaus' project was chosen to be a Frontier's Pilot Project and grant funding was provided by a contract between the Wichita Center for Graduate Medical Education (WCGME) and the Kansas Bioscience Authority under the direction of the WCGME Research Council.